Results showed that child abuse reports increased 31 percent between 1985 and 1990. In addition, 2,508,000 children or about 39 of every 1,000 children in the United States were reported as victims of child maltreatment in 1990, an increase of 4 percent from 1989. The increases are attributed to a combination of increased incidence and more accurate reporting due to substance abuse as well as greater public awareness. No standardized method exists for recording rates of substantiation, although the average for 44 states was 39 percent. In addition, an estimated 1,211 children died from abuse or neglect. Results underscore the need for a national reporting system; for more comprehensive service planning rather than prosecution alone; and for improved prevention that includes adequate housing, nutrition, and health care. Tables and 31 reference notes